![\"Lakshmi](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-47529300,imgsize-110164,width-400,height-225,resizemode-75\/47529300.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNew Delhi: The registration for the much-awaited Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, which promises Rs 2,500 in monthly financial assistance to eligible women, opened Saturday with chief minister Rekha Gupta launching the portal, www.dly.delhi.gov.in.The scheme \u201caims at strengthening women\u2019s dignity, financial security, the culture of savings\u201d, Gupta said at a programme in east Delhi. In a cabinet meeting earlier this week, govt made an endorsement letter from the local MLA or MP one of the six mandatory documents for submitting applications online, said an official.Women can apply by uploading documents, including Aadhaar<\/a> and PAN cards, an income certificate and details of an Aadhaar-linked single-holder bank account. The status of the applications can also be tracked online.Explaining the endorsement move, Moti Nagar MLA and govt spokesperson Harish Khurana said, \u201cAs MLAs are generally familiar with the people in their constituencies, they can help ensure that only genuine beneficiaries apply for the scheme so that public funds are used for the welfare of those who are actually eligible.\u201dIn the first 12 hours after the portal went live at 6.30am, more than 33,730 women have registered. Of them, 1,940 have completed and submitted their applications, while over 9,170 applications are pending the mandatory recommendation from the area MLA\/MP before they can be submitted. Ghonda MLA Ajay Mahawar said he signed 35 forms.The scheme was one of the BJP promises before the 2025 assembly elections. Govt expects around 17 lakh women to benefit from the scheme, which is to run initially for three years.An applicant should be the eldest eligible woman of the family, aged between 21 and 60 years, with an annual family income of not more than Rs 2.5 lakh. She should also be a Delhi voter, having resided in the city for at least 10 years.Beneficiaries can either opt for receiving Rs 1,000 every month in a Central Bank Digital Currency wallet to meet day-to-day expenses and the remaining Rs 1,500 in a recurring or fixed deposit account. Alternatively, they can get the entire amount deposited in an RD or FD to build long-term savings.Gupta said govt would ensure that the money was used only for essential household needs. \u201cThe amount credited to the wallet cannot be spent on alcohol, tobacco, narcotic substances, lottery tickets, gambling, betting or any other goods and services prohibited by govt from time to time,\u201d CM said.The applications will be verified at multiple stages. Officials said furnishing false information might prompt govt to initiate recovery of the money along with legal and administrative action.Gupta said govt would also connect the Lakshmi Yojana beneficiaries with various other schemes and services.<\/div>\n